NFL games on Thanksgiving feature a thrilling triple-header on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The Green Bay Packers face the Detroit Lions at 1:00 PM ET, followed by the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the Dallas Cowboys at 4:30 PM ET. The Cincinnati Bengals battle the Baltimore Ravens in prime time at 8:20 PM ET to complete the trio.
🔥 Quick Facts
- 2025 marks the 20th consecutive year with three Thanksgiving NFL games since the tripleheader format began in 2006
- Packers-Lions and Cowboys-Lions traditions continue their 48th year hosting games on the holiday
- Chiefs (6-5) face surging Cowboys (5-5-1) after Dallas completed a historic 21-point comeback against Philadelphia
- Bengals play their first-ever Thanksgiving game against division-rival Ravens with Joe Burrow expected to return
Detroit Lions Host Packers in NFC North Rivalry Showcase
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The Detroit Lions welcome the Green Bay Packers to Ford Field for the traditional opening game at 1:00 PM ET on FOX. This matchup continues the Thanksgiving tradition dating back decades, with the Lions hosting the holiday matchup annually. The Packers bring an impressive 16-20-2 record in their 38 total Thanksgiving games, having defeated the Miami Dolphins 30-13 last Thanksgiving. Both teams battle for playoff positioning in a critical Week 13 of the season.
The NFC North rivalry always carries extra intensity, and this holiday showdown provides an early-season statement opportunity. Expert analysis from ESPN suggests this game sets the tone for the entire Thanksgiving triple-header coverage.
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The second game features the Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) traveling to face the Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1) at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. The Chiefs enter off the largest fourth-quarter comeback win of Patrick Mahomes’ career, overcoming an 11-point deficit against the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, the Cowboys just completed an extraordinary 21-point comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles, scoring 24 straight points to complete the improbable rally.
| Metric | Data |
| Chiefs Record | 6-5 |
| Cowboys Record | 5-5-1 |
| Kickoff Time | 4:30 PM ET |
| Network | CBS |
According to ESPN predictions, the Chiefs hold a 63.7% probability of defeating the Cowboys, while Dallas maintains a 36.1% chance at victory. This pivotal Week 13 contest shapes playoff trajectories for both franchises, making it one of 2025’s biggest Thanksgiving games.
Bengals Make Historic Thanksgiving Debut Against Baltimore Ravens
The Cincinnati Bengals make their first-ever Thanksgiving appearance against division rival Baltimore Ravens at 8:20 PM ET on NBC. Joe Burrow is expected to return for this prime-time matchup after missing time earlier in the season. This historic moment marks a significant milestone for the franchise, as the Bengals finally join the exclusive club of teams hosting Thanksgiving games.
The Ravens-Bengals rivalry never needs extra motivation, but playing on Thanksgiving adds playoff intensity to their Week 13 divisional battle. Fans can also stream the game on NFL+ at 7:20 PM CT, providing flexible viewing options across time zones.
Thanksgiving NFL Tradition Spans Over a Century of Football
The tradition of NFL football on Thanksgiving dates back to 1920 with the league’s inception, making it one of sports’ most enduring annual celebrations. In 1966, the Dallas Cowboys joined the Detroit Lions to create the modern holiday framework, with Cowboys general manager Tex Schramm seeking increased national attention for the franchise. The tripleheader format arrived in 2006, establishing the prime-time game that now concludes each Thanksgiving slate.
The Lions remain the only team besides the Cowboys with guaranteed annual Thanksgiving hosting rights. This 48-year continuous tradition demonstrates the deep cultural roots NFL Thanksgiving has developed in American households. For 20 consecutive years, three games have shaped the holiday, making Thanksgiving one of sports’ most competitive annual events.
How to Watch the Complete Thanksgiving NFL Triple-Header?
Television coverage spans three networks for comprehensive access to all Thanksgiving games. The Packers-Lions game airs on FOX starting at 1:00 PM ET, with Kevin Burkhardt leading broadcast duties. The Chiefs-Cowboys matchup follows on CBS at 4:30 PM ET, capturing the middle-game drama. The Bengals-Ravens prime-time showcase concludes the action on NBC at 8:20 PM ET.
Streaming remains available through NFL+, Fubo, and respective network apps, ensuring no fan misses the action. Fantasy football enthusiasts and casual viewers alike will find multiple viewing windows throughout Thanksgiving Day, making the triple-header the holiday’s centerpiece event beyond turkey and stuffing.
Sources
- ESPN – NFL Thanksgiving picks, odds, and schedule coverage
- CBS Sports – Triple-header schedule, Chiefs-Cowboys analysis
- USA Today – Thanksgiving games times and traditional information
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.